A letter to Santa

Dear Santa Claus,

I can't really type yet, so I'm asking Runny Bunny to help me with my letter.

Daddy told me all about you yesterday before I met you at the mall. Thank you for being so nice to me!

What I want this year isn't for me, but for mommy and daddy.

I want to learn to sleep through the night, and for them to be able to focus on themselves a little bit. I know that I'm only a baby and I don't really know how to do much to help. I also know that they have to focus on me.

But I want them to do their best to focus on themselves too. I want my daddy to be around for a really long time. I want him healthy and fit. He's doing alright lately. I know he's focusing on doing something called "maintaining" the "status quo" which I have no idea what that means - but it sounds good...

So...can you help them this season by helping me to get a little system together? A little more consistency? I might be asking a LOT - but as daddy and mommy get the hang of things, I want them to have a few moments to help themselves.

What do you think?

And...perhaps a puppy? Or a stuffed animal? Or a nice outfit? Or something awesome like that?

Love,

Elizabeth.

Changing Things Up

Change is a good thing - and although I don't normally post at night - I felt like saying hi tonight. :)

We've already had one good workout this week and eaten well today also. We're on the right track. This week WILL be a good week.

And besides - who could resist another Elizabeth picture?

Whenever she has a chance, she puts my fingers in her mouth!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

342 - A Lesson in Adaptation

I've learned something these last three weeks - and yes - Elizabeth is now THREE WEEKS OLD - where did that time go? Regardless - do not think I'm complaining about her in the next moments - I adore her so much - as you can see above - and she's just SO perfect.

Anyhow - I've learned something.

Being a parent is a lesson in adaptation. You finally think you've figured out a plan - like last Monday - and just when you get settled, the baby changes the rules.

Sleepless nights and sleep deprivation have combined this last week to mean I haven't been working out - been sleeping - and have pretty much eaten when I could and what I could - which is usually too much. Lots of time on the couch, because the doctor doesn't want us taking her out too much until she's 30 days old.

And as a result - I'm up 2 pounds.

So how do we change? How do we adapt?

First change - working out in the mornings isn't working. So let's abandon that idea. Now let's just try to work out each day. Who cares when? If I'm able to "fit in" sleep - I should be able to "fit in" a workout. We're shooting for 4 workouts between now and next Monday. We're shooting to lose those 10 pounds (plus 2).

Second change - all of the comfort food friends have brought us to eat is now gone. All we have left is healthier pre-prepared options. And I'm going to be consciously controlling portions and calories.

We live - we change - we learn.

I'll check in throughout the week and let you know how it's going. I need the support I find here. I feel like I CAN get going and CAN do this - but "re-starting" my engines will be difficult.

But no matter - I've done difficult before right?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Learning from my Father - 340

Elizabeth met Grandpa this weekend. The mask is because he still has MRSA (another day or two and he'll be cleared) after his recent hospital stay. He was SO happy to see her. He cried. I cried. It was emotional.

Through all the craziness and fast food and pizza and lack of exercise, I've still managed to lose a pound in the last few weeks. But not enough. And today I look at this picture and realize that my father is FAR too sick for a 64 year old. And I will NOT do that to Elizabeth or my future grandchildren. I just won't. It was a concept before.

It's a REALITY now.

And so, taking Ambers suggestion (who gained 7 pounds during pregnancy TOTAL and is already down 20 since) - I'm starting today slowly - going back to the EA Active workouts. Focusing on losing 10 pounds in the next three weeks. Getting back to using Wii Fit. Doing things HERE at home so I can stay with them and help out. And as Elizabeth gets more settled and Amber needs a LITTLE less help (and is getting more sleep) I'll go back to the gym, and follow Byron's example...

I'll be there - January 2011. And Elizabeth and Amber will be with me. And we'll be CELEBRATING health, life, and fitness.

And today we're starting back on that road.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Catching Up

Boy it's been a week and a half! But don't worry - I'm still here. And still committed to everything this blog is about. But today is about catching you all up on the story of HOW Elizabeth was born.

At midnight on October 17, Amber told me she thought she was having bladder problems. We were 37 weeks along, and what they call "nearterm". Not premature, but not full term either. After discussing it a bit, we headed to the hospital. Sure enough - it was her water having broken. A slow leak. But no labor. No contractions. Had to get baby out within 24ish hours. They started a pitocin drip to induce labor.

She labored for hours and only dilated 2cm. They did an epidural. After 23 hours of labor, she'd advanced to 8-9cm. But was spiking a fever. When the doctor came in to talk to her about the fever, she was complete at 10cm. One good push. Amber's heart rate and the baby's jumped sky high. We stopped the pushing and discussed our options. The safest thing for everyone at this point was to go in and get Elizabeth with a C-Section.

I was in the room during it. Sitting with Amber. And when Elizabeth came out - holy cow! I cried for HOURS thereafter.

However - we weren't done. Because Amber had the fever, Elizabeth had to stay in the special care nursery to rule out an infection and receive antibiotics. We couldn't stay with her and hold her all the time. We had access, but it wasn't the same as having her in our room. And she slept. ALL the time. This is because, as we would find out, she had a bit of jaundice.

So once they ruled out infection - she STAYED in the nursery....

...under the lights. We were discharged, but she wasn't. We DESPERATELY wanted her to come home with us. So much so that we even tried bribing the nursing staff.

But alas, it didn't work. They kept her a few more days to get rid of the jaundice, and give her some extra nutrition. See - the jaundice made her sleepy which made her a poor eater which made her output low. One of those circle of life....things.

Friday the 23rd though - a MAGIC afternoon.

Time to go home, little one.
She's been at home ever since. Loving her blankets and swings and FEEDING like crazy. Oh yeah - and keeping us up at night. ;) But we ADORE her. I can't even begin to describe what a feeling I have for her in my heart. It's just incredible.

So there you go. Our baby girl is home and safe.

THANK YOU ALL for following me on Twitter, Facebook, AATM, and where-ever you did. It really made a difference. And now that we're home! We'll get pics that are CUTER and CUTER! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Words cannot describe.

Welcome to the world baby girl.

A New Machine

First - a cheer to the fact that DUMBO is coming on Blu-Ray! YAY!!! Love that elephant! :)

Now - I actually ate according to plan yesterday - and actually got up and went to the gym today.

I'll wait a moment for that to sink in. :)

I got there and went to the elliptical machines. Saw a new variety, and since I always like the new stuff, hopped on.

WHOA.

This wasn't a standard elliptical. It was an elliptical that mimicked low-impact STAIR CLIMBING.

20 minutes on level ONE and I was sweating profusely and exhausted.

But I did it.

Maybe next time I do a regular elliptical...

Tomorrow I do weights, regardless.

But I'm going in the right direction. Have to lose at least 11 pounds FAST - got the new Wii Fit Plus and want to get back to my yoga! Missed it. But the balance board is only rated to 330. :(

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Updates - 341 - GASP

Okay - where to start?

Dad is the easiest place. He was home from the hospital on Thursday. Back IN the hospital on Friday. He'd put on 20 pounds in a day. He's in right sided heart failure as well. It's brought on by his vascular problems. They've drained the fluid with diuretics and he's doing better. Likely to be discharged today. Again. Although if he isn't "stable" the assisted living won't take him home. They'll send him to a nursing home first to stabilize first.

This has been really hard on me - especially since much of what's going on with dad is made worse by some choices he makes. And my mother just can't cope. Which makes me responsible for EVERYTHING.

Not to mention the whole baby thing on the way. We've been working on getting the nursery set up, and it's coming together nicely. Did some shopping. Did I mention I've been worried about how to PAY for all this what with the new business and all?

Anyhow - we saw the doctor on Friday - and Elizabeth is doing fine - no talk of early induction - we're just going to let Amber go to term and see how it goes. We hit 37 weeks on this coming Saturday - so it could be anytime after that.

Which emphasizes the need for me to take control here. Since my last weigh in I've gained around 8 pounds, pushing me up over 340 - over 50 pounds since last year around this time. I can't even begin to explain how ashamed of myself I am. How heartbroken. How utterly disgusted.

But - as I've been telling my father and mother for the last two weeks, we can't undo the past. All we can do is change our tomorrow and today. In fact, I've been working for the last week internally - soul searching - finding the strength to set the boundries I need to take care of MYSELF - which is crucial to avoid my past mistakes.

And as we all know, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it! So I choose to learn. We've set up a GOOD meal plan for this week - no fast foods - no eating out - lots of whole food cooking at home - and that will help a LOT. The weight gain isn't about being inactive - it's about eating way too much of the wrong things.

But activity has to be a part of this. And so I'll be giving you guys daily updates on my activity level this week - and we'll do another weigh in on Monday - and we WILL be on our way to that first goal of 325. I promise.

I feel like I'm in the process of turning a corner and reclaiming things. And if I can hold it together long enough to string a few good days together, we may just beat this thing!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Here Come Da Judge...

So today I get to appear on the bench in a local district court for the first time.

I'm doing something called "Pro-Tem" judging. Basically substitute judging. I'm VERY excited about this.

Wanted to share. :)

As for dad - he's back home now - but may never quite be the same. They finally diagnosed this "confusion" he gets as essentially vascular related dementia stemming from old strokes. What it means is that as his health gets worse, his mind gets worse. If he's healthy - he's clearer. If he's sick...he makes no sense.

I can't even begin to describe how scary that is - how upsetting - how saddening - how....everything.

But I do know one thing. I'm going to try to keep him as healthy as possible.

And - Amber and I sat down and had a long talk about my goals over the weekend. We're going to get back to focusing on health for ME. Raising money. Setting goals. Not wallowing.

I know - you guys are tired of hearing me say that "I'm refocusing". But it's true. All I can do is re-start. I can't undo damage or laziness. I can just RE-start.

And THAT'S what I'm doing. I'll be formulating a plan over the next few days, and putting it into action as of Monday.

And I REALLY want your support. Cheer for me! Help me. :)

And then I'll see you in WDW in 2011 for the race! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Checklist....

Okay - let's see what we have here....

Dad out of hospital. Check.

Dad back IN hospital. Check.

Wife 9 months pregnant. Check.

Wife 9 months pregnant with nesting urge vaccuming walls. Check.

Dishwasher breaks. Check.

Buy new dishwasher, wait one week for delivery, let dishes pile up, kitchen get messy. Check.

Emotional eating, lack of exercise, and general disarray. Check, check, check.

Okay folks - let's break this down. Dad's back in the hospital after his discharge - this time with more of the confusion we dealt with before his retirement. And it's scary. And I'm spending extra time driving mom back and forth to the hospital - trying to keep the business afloat - and manage my own sanity.

I'm not going CRAZY with eating - but I'm not really taking care of myself.

And it occurred to me this morning - there's always something, isn't there? And the only way to really take care of yourself is just to take care of yourself. Just keep plugging away at it - just keep in mind that you're focusing on your health and your body - and do the best you can. Make the most of the quiet times, and survive the crazy times.

And that's what I'm trying to do. I'm up about 3 pounds. But it could be worse. And soon I'll be posting losses. I just have to be vigilant and patient.

And hope you all don't give up on me in the meantime.

Although the good news....we have an ultrasound today. :) That ALWAYS makes things better, doesn't it?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Inner Strength

Finding inner strength is what's going to get me from here to my goals.

First - a quick concert wrap up. WOW. What an amazing experience! I'm so grateful to all of the mousekateers and friends and family who showed up! And thank you to the orchestra, Ron Friesen, and the Everett Symphony. I don't even know how to describe it!

A quick update on Dad. Seems like he's got another pneumonia, and is recovering well. Ought to be home from the hospital within a day or two now.

I said I'd be back with training updates and here I am.

10 laps this morning again! Yay! Although I believe that as crowded as my pool is at 5am, I'm going to adhere to the following schedule:

M/W/F - cardio (at least ONE day of swimming - depending on my work schedule. The more time I have in the morning, the easier it is to go swimming).

T/Th/S - Weight training.

And I'm going to push hard and really try to harness my body's power! That goal of 325 is not terribly far away, and I'd like to reach it as soon as possible and move onto the next one. :)

And it's just about believing that I can do it - KNOWING I can.

And knowing YOU can.

I believe in YOU.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Becoming Our Parents

So here I am about a month or so away from being a father. Still struggling with a variety of issues surrounding my own body and health, and my father is now, once again, in the hospital.

His breathing has gotten so bad due to fluid build up that he couldn't lie flat enough to get tests done at the cardiologist without turning blue.

So they admitted him.

And I drove to the hospital to see him.

Again.

I'm not complaining about him - nor about the hospital visit.

But I am scared. Scared for him. Scared for me. Scared for Elizabeth and Amber.

I don't want this for MY family in 30 years. Or 20. Or even 40.

And if I don't make changes - DRASTIC changes - in the habits I've re-formed over the last six months or so, it's exactly where I'm headed. And maybe sooner. Who knows?

So what do I do?

I recognize it. I acknowledge that it's how I'm feeling, and what I'm afraid of.

And I try to channel that fear into something positive.

Last night at rehearsal for the symphony on Saturday I nearly burst into tears while the orchestra played the Lion King suite and pictures of Mufasa hit the screen. Because I knew my father wouldn't be there to see this show. He'll be in the hospital.

And he'd LOVE this show.

I just won't allow this to happen to me. I just won't. I can't.

And you all have been, are, and will be helping me along the way.

For that I say once again - thank you for helping me to save my own life.

More regular updating coming next week! An update on Sunday about the concert - and then - we really hit the ground running, swimming, lifting, and everything!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Raisin' the Bar

Wow. How busy are things getting here?

We're only 6 weeks away from Elizabeth's ACTUAL due date, which means we're really THREE weeks away from when she MIGHT start arriving. We have another baby shower coming up. We're still in baby classes. We're still working on the office (www.dichterlawoffice.com) - and did I mention this symphony I'm doing on Saturday?? (Do you have your tickets?)

That being said - I've also lost a pound (331) and am that much closer to my first goal of 7 pounds. I haven't put a time limit on it as of yet - since things ARE so up in the air. However - today I upped my swimming from last weeks 5/1 (5 laps freestyle, 1 breaststroke) to 8/2! My shoulders are TIRED. LOL

Regardless, things are moving along in the right direction again. I'm generally happy about where things are headed, and I feel good. I feel positive. I'm excited!

I feel like I'm getting motivated all over again!

And trust me - the fun is just getting started - I have some GREAT ideas coming soon that'll help ALL OF TEAM VOICE to get inspired and motivated! :)

Until then, my friends...

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

My Own Private Symphony Orchestra

Last night I was privileged enough to attend a rehearsal for the upcoming "Around the World with Disney" concert at the Everett Symphony (www.everettsymphony.org). As you may or may not know, I will be narrating this concert - so this was my first time to work with the orchestra, the conductor, and the visuals. The concert is NEXT Saturday (September 26) and tickets are as little as $15. Two shows. 11am & 3pm.

Why does it sound like I'm trying to sell you tickets?

I AM TRYING TO SELL YOU TICKETS.

Last night was INCREDIBLE.

Music gets inside your soul - and no music more so than bright, cheery, powerful orchestral arrangements of your FAVORITE Disney movies - from The Little Mermaid and The Lion King to Mary Poppins and Song of the South.

Believe me, my friends. You do NOT want to miss this.

Granted - you won't have MY experience. A small practice room large enough to hold the orchestra, the conductor, and ME. What an amazing feeling. I had the entire concert all to myself!!!! :) Goosebumps. Tears. Smiles. Laughter. WONDERFUL.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Disneyland Half Marathon Trip Report - Part Five - and a look Forward

My final day began with a post-race celebration at Goofy's Kitchen (thanks Justin!) where we got to hang out, have breakfast, and watch Chip re-enact a ride on Tower of Terror, among others.

After that it was off to DCA with the Fab Four! Soarin - front row center. Went to Grizzly Rapids, but it was down (YES!!! I didn't really want to ride anyhow...) - so headed over to Toy Story and California Screamin'. NICE.

Then we decided to ride Mullholland Madness. And wouldn't you know it - Fee and I were ready to climb the lift hill, and the ride goes 101. Now Chuck and Leigh on the other hand, were TRAPPED AT THE TOP. It took about 20 minutes to get them down. As Fee said - funny, but not fun - a little scary. But funny. LOL

Did some Turtle Talkin' (you can see the WHOLE show at the AATM feed on iTunes) - and headed back over to Disneyland. Roger Rabbit.

And before I knew it I was on my way to the airport. There were tears and hugs all around. And yes - where I am over a week later, and I STILL miss my DisFam. A lot. We chat online, but it's not the same.

Thank you Chuck - Leigh - Fee - for a WONDERFUL weekend. You guys so totally rock!

That being said - what's next?

Well - a few things. Short term goals - and long term goals.

Long term. Right now, I think it's realistic for me to say that I will compete in the 2011 WDW FULL MARATHON. I've done three halves in a year. And I want that Mickey Medal. Will I do Disneyland again? Maybe. A lot over the next year (Disneyland, D23, etc) depends on Elizabeth and the business frankly. But January 2011 is mine.

So how do I get there?

Well - the scale at the gym today said 332. So we HAVE GOT to lose weight. I'd like to take off another 80 pounds. 250 sounds like a nice round number. But that's a HUGE goal.

So let's start with Getting to 325. Seven Pounds. Goal #1.

Tools? Well I've decided to take a break from running for a bit - to focus on the weight. I'm going to mix up cardio with some intensive weight training. And started already this morning at the gym by SWIMMING. I adore swimming. But I forgot how HARD swimming laps is. I did SIX laps and was EXHAUSTED. I did a half marathon last weekend. HOW THE HECK DID SIX LAPS exhaust me? Regardless - we're going to do 2-3 days of swimming a week and 2-3 days of weights a week. And see how the first few weeks go. And ramp up as we go.

And as always...

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Disneyland Half Marathon Trip Report - Part Four

Ahhh race day.

What a wonderful race! We woke up at 4am and had a team voice POWER CHEER in front of the Disneyland Hotel. We were surprised by Chuck and Leigh inside the race area, and before I knew it - we were off!

It's a great course - nice and flat. Lots of backstage time. And Angels Stadium was awesome - despite being a Mariner's fan.

I kept a good pace - had minimal foot issues - and finished in 3:40.

LOVE THE MEDALS.

Congrats to ALL the Team Voicers who were there and finished!

Then I got to hang out with my sister for about an hour and head back into the parks for Fee's Small World meet! AWESOME....but no buttons. ;)

Lunch at the Bayou. The We Wants the RedHead meet!

And the - FANTASYLAND. We hung out in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland most of the afternoon (we being the fab four - Leigh, Chuck, Fee, and I).

And finally finished the day with a WONDERFUL showing of Magical. If you want to see it - the video is up on the AATM stream on iTunes!!!

Tomorrow - we wrap up the trip report and take a look FORWARD!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Disneyland Half Marathon Trip Report - Part Three

My next day was filled with Characters.

We started with a breakfast at Minnie's place at the Plaza Inn. WOW what great character interactions. At one point we actually had Captain Hook offended and sitting in the corner with his back to us all and his arms crossed!

You had to be there.

Met Tink in Pixie Hollow!

Front row seats for Billy Hill!

And then - MUSICAL CHAIRS. For those of you who don't know - this is a daily 2:30 game in Disneyland for the kids. It's not on the times guides. And it's AWESOME. Just...go see it. TODAY. End of Main Street. Trust me. Go. Now.

Off to DCA. Saw Aladdin. Tower of Terror. Soarin.

The great part about this day was that despite having a small blister (THANK YOU LIANA FOR BRINGING ME BLISTER BANDAIDS) between my toes, Chuck and Leigh decided to MINIMIZE my walking. Lots of sitting. Lots of laughing. Minimal walking.

8:30 I headed back to the room.

Had a 4am wakeup call for the race!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Disneyland Half Marathon Trip Report - Part Two

Just before dinner at Ariel's Grotto, Princess Fiona texted me. She was on her way. Little did we know that she'd become an immediate fixture in our little DisFam. What a riot she is!!! And surely - within minutes of being at Ariel's Grotto, everyone was laughing. We made the characters laugh. Made cast members dance. And just had a WONDERFUL time.

We laughed our way through a ride on the Jungle Cruise! Even came up with a new joke. All the while, we were humming "Skipper Dan".

Within 30 minutes Leigh and Fee had become BFFs. Now I understand they consider each other sisters. And I agree. They're like family to me. We bonded SO strongly.

After the Jungle Cruise we all sat our butts down and waited an hour for Fantasmic. TOTALLY WORTH IT.

During the wait, we were talking, joking, etc. Fee was worried that her meet would only be the three of us! She had wanted to get buttons, but was worried there wouldn't be enough people, and the minimum order was 10. At her meet later on Sunday, EVERYONE who was there asked for buttons. All 10 of us. :) Regardless, it became a running joke.

And let me say - having running jokes with friends in the parks is the BEST part. Forget trivia (Love ya Lou) - and backstage stuff (Love ya Paul). Just having FUN in the parks. With people you care about.

And big giant fire-breathing Dragons.

That's what it's all about.

Or is it the Hokey-Pokey.

No - that's tomorrow. ;)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Disneyland Half Marathon Trip Report - Part One

I arrived at the Santa Ana airport around 9:30am on Friday morning. Gathered my belongings, took small children by the hand, and headed out. Alright - there were no small children - but you get the idea. I should note that you'll see VERY few pictures of my actual trip during these reports, as I used VIDEO - not a still camera. So....just let your imagination run. :)

Within about 15 minutes I'd found Leigh and her car. She'd graciously offered to pick me up from the airport, and was to be my psuedo VIP guide all weekend. And let me tell you something - she's wonderful! We talked throughout our car ride, so much so that we made no less than three U-turns trying to get from the airport to my hotel. LOL

After checking in and putting my things away, it was time to head to Disneyland! Leigh made me stop on Main Street and say hi to the Firehouse. :) Next stop - a nice hot turkey sandwich for lunch. Pirates, Mansion, and some nice walking around ensued. But Friday had a schedule to keep. At 1:15 we headed over to the Disneyland Hotel for the race expo.

What a madhouse. It opened at 2pm, and I'm SO glad we were there a little early. Got in, got my packet, and had the coast to coast bracelet attached to me. "You're not allowed to take this off until after the race!" Wow. Okay!

Now to the expo to get my shirt and goodie bag. As I'm looking through my goodie bag, I turn around, and Leigh has one! She shrugged and told me they just gave it to her. LOL

We'd been on our feet a lot, and I wanted to put them up for a bit, so we took the race stuff back to the Best Western and hung out for about an hour. Just a nice rest. Didn't want to overdo the feetsies. But I'd noticed a small blister forming between two toes on my left foot. Uhoh. I doctored it up as much as I could, and we headed back out - this time to DCA. See - at 6, we had my first official "Meet" of the trip. It was about 4ish by this time. So we did what any self-respecting Disneylander would do.

We high-tailed it to Toy Story and I then proceeded to watch Leigh kick my butt! Man!

Checked out the new boardwalk-style games on the pier - VERY nice. And before we knew it - it was about 5:30. We ambled to Ariel's Grotto to meet our group for dinner.

Which is where I'll pick up tomorrow. Because this was a VERY pivotal moment in the trip.

The SCOTTISH Invasion. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

I DID IT!!!

Here they are. LOUSY pictures. I'll have better soon.

This will be a short post. Slept in. :) Tomorrow I'll start a trip report. :)

Regardless, I want to thank EVERYONE for believing in me - texting me - FBing me - Tweeting me - and just....BELIEVING in me.

I'm sorry for the text issues some people had. I guess the split times weren't working right for anyone. Regardless - I finished. And FASTER than Seattle. I was about 11-12 minutes slower than Orlando, and about 13 minutes faster than Seattle. I think my time was 3:40 and a few seconds. :)

And now I'm home and feel VERY proud.

And I miss Disneyland.

And I miss my new Disneyland Family (more about this crew in the trip report).

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

All my bags are packed....

I'm ready to go...

I'm standing here, inside my door.

I had to wake her up to get a ride.

But the dawn is breaking, it's early morn.

My car is waiting, blowin' it's horn.

Already I'm nearly there - I could start to cry!

So wish me lots of luck for me,

Tell me that you'll root for me,

Believe in me, cuz I won't let you down.....

I'm LEAVIN' ON A JET PLANE!!!

(Monday, I'll be back again!)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

1 Day - One More Sleep

Tomorrow morning I'm on a plane.

I'm going to the Happiest Place on Earth.

To run a race.

To see friends.

To be with my team.

To see my sister.

To ride rides.

To eat foods.

To smile.

To laugh.

To have fun.

To live it up for 4 days.

To do what I want.

To be who I am.

To make my family proud.

To make myself proud.

I'll miss Amber and Elizabeth tremendously. But I'll be filming a video journal for Elizabeth while I'm there. Which should be VERY cool. I hope I can use some of the audio for AATM too.

Regardless - tomorrow I get to see Main Street.

I wonder how it'll feel being on Main Street without Amber.

I wonder how it'll feel the first time I'm on Main Street WITH Elizabeth.

I wonder if I'll be able to sleep tonight.

See you guys when I get back. Unless you'll be there in which case - I'll see you REALLY SOON!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

2 Days - Remembering Success

Yes, I was a little fitter, and a little less stressed, and a little more prepared.

But I did it.

And then in June - I did it again at about where I am today - weight wise.

And that was a hilly, hot, course.

Disneyland is flat - and exciting - and a little more mild weatherwise.

And I have teammates and family and friends cheering me on. Some from there, some from afar.

I KNOW I can do this.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

4 Days - You Stay Focus.

Daniel San! Daniel San! Is okay give in to opponent, is never okay give in to fear!

Well I'm afraid! I'm afraid of him!

You best karate still inside. Now time LET OUT.

We are four days away from my flight to Anaheim, and the one thing I'm refusing to do is get bogged down in fear of this race. Fear of failing, fear of pain, fear of blisters (which is healing nicely again - I have a few new tricks to try while in Anaheim).

If I try the hardest I can on Sunday - if I go out there and give it my all - and cannot do it. I will not be upset with my performance. I'll be disappointed, sure. But not upset. All I can do is my best. And the best I have is the best I have.

That being said - I plan on giving it my all - and if I do that - I can't fail.

I know this.

I just have to let my heart take over when my feet get tired.

That coast-to-coast medal is MINE.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

5 Days - Runny Bunny Returns Again

Greetings my friends! Tis I, Runny Bunny here again with a 5 day update!

Jonathan is showering off after a very nice training wog. 6.8 miles. He had planned a route he thought was 8 miles, but the GPS showed only 6.8 when he was done. He developed a small side stitch (which went away) and a teeny tiny blister on his right foot where his moleskin wasn't wide enough. Other than that - he says he wasn't tired, and if not for the beginnings of that blister, could have gone on for another hour and a half easily. His pace wasn't great (about 17.4 minutes) but Disneyland will give him a boost. He'll do fine.

After his shower, he'll be putting on a blister bandage and keeping off his right foot for the day if he can. He's planning on walking slowly, but a lot, on Friday and Saturday to get his feet used to Anaheim's terrain.

He's really excited about this trip - although he told me he's worried about the race. I told him not to be. He's done two half marathons before, and he'll do just fine on this, his third. I have faith in him and know he'll do well.

He's already laying out his stuff to pack up. I wish I was able to go, but he wants me to stay and take care of Amber and Elizabeth while he's gone. I guess such is the duty of a runny bunny.

Anyhow - have a great week team!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Why I'm Still Here - 7 days and counting

30 months ago, I hovered around 370 pounds. I decided to make a change.

Eight months ago, I was ramping up for a flight to the WDW Resort. I was hovering around 298 pounds. I felt great. I was motivated. And I went and ran my first half marathon. And finished. 3:27:51.

Two months ago, I was ramping up for the Seattle Rock n' Roll Half Marathon. I was hovering around 320 pounds. But I felt okay. I was less excited and motivated. And I finished my second half marathon. 3:48:00.

And today, I am ramping up for Anaheim. I am feeling okay. I am far more excited and motivated than I was for Seattle. I'm hovering around 329 pounds. And I'm going to finish my third half-marathon. I have shoes that fit well and are comfy. My wife is pregnant and things are well. I'm thrilled to welcome Elizabeth to my family (can't wait in fact). And in my life - things are....more happy now than they have been in months.

Let's face it - between celebrating successes (WDW, Elizabeth, etc) - and coping with disasters (my father got sick in April, preparing them to move cross country to assisted living, losing my job while gone, opening a firm) - it's been a full eight months.

But the last 4 months have been much harder than anyone could have predicted.

And yes. I faltered. I stumbled. I slid. I ask for your forgiveness. I am HUMAN.

But more importantly - I have changed.

Three years ago if this had happened, I would have abandoned all goals, and slid into depression and regained EVERY POUND I'D LOST. I'd have GIVEN UP.

But I haven't.

I AM STILL HERE, MY FRIENDS. AND I WILL NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER.

And I will take where I am and push further than I have been. I will do it with willpower, determination, and struggle. I will not look for easy ways. I will celebrate my successes, and I will share my disappointments. As I have always done.

This was never about becoming a runner, folks. This was about becoming a healthier me. A better me. A more driven me. From top to bottom. It was about helping others. Motivating. Granting wishes. And it was about wishing upon stars.

And that is why I'm still here. Because those wishes are still out there. Because even if I slid into old habits when things got tough, I didn't slide as far as I would have. I see progress for me. I see hope. I see more to strive for.

And Chris - you're right. Short term goals are VERY important. And set them I shall. Succeed in them I shall.

First goal.

COMPLETE THE DISNEYLAND HALF MARATHON 2009 - AND PROUDLY WEAR MY COAST-TO-COAST MEDAL.

After that, we'll evaluate where we go next for short term. We know my long term goals. And I'll reach those too. By remembering not only where I've failed in the past, but how I've succeeded. I will climb to the top of Pride Rock again and roar with all my might that I have become the man I want to be for my wife and daughter.

I will stay motivated. Stay driven. Stay excited.

I will succeed. And so will you.

No matter how many times we stumble.

Comment today. Roar. Shout your fears. Your goals. Your successes. Be the team we all need each other to be. Motivate each other! DREAM! WISH!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

It's a Small World - Must Travel it Faster

First of all - congrats to Fee for doing her own meet! She says she's fully prepared for nobody to show - but I'll be there! With my medals on, too!

Speaking of medals. I'm very happy to know that they've announced the sweep points for the race. I'm confident I won't get swept. However, I'd still like to improve my pacing a bit beforehand. This morning I did 3.55 miles in 1:00:52. About a 16.9 minute pace. Although knowing that as long as I'm not the last guy crossed the start line they're allowing for 1:35 to get to 4 miles and 3:10 to get to 10 miles makes me feel a little more secure. Once I pass the 10 mile mark, I'm home free.

But I'm not going to shoot for the "home free mark."

I may not be thinner than I was in January, nor fitter. But I'm still going to try to be faster, if I can.

On an aside - there's a big part of me that's really quite excited about what's AFTER the Disneyland Half Marathon.

No not Blue Bayou. Although that helps.

No - starting my quest for my first full marathon - the WDW Full Marathon 2011.

I've already decided I'm going to take a few months and focus on core and stamina training - weights, swimming, and lots of great cardio. I'm going to get back into the gym and literally work my tush off. The more I lose, the easier training will be. And I figure I'll do about 6 months of dedicated run training after losing a bunch of weight.

And did I mention raising charity money?

Speaking of which - how about a shout out to Maroo today? And you guys, too! She asked you guys to raise $200 by December to convince Bryan to get a haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop with the full deal.

That was five days ago.

You've raised $670 already. And counting.

You guys are going to hit her $2000 mark aren't you?

DO IT!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Disneyland Approacheth!

Yes folks - there's ANOTHER meet now. Lorilovestigger over at wewantstheredhead.blogspot.com (great blog, by the way) is hosting her own meet and greet. Here's how awesome it is - it's RIGHT after my blue bayou meet. PERFECT timing Lori!

Princess Fee wants to host a small world meet too...perhaps we do that before Blue Bayou? Or after Pirates? Not sure - Fee - your thoughts?
Speaking of Disneyland - let's not forget the real reason we're all going to be there.

DOLE WHIPS!

Um....no wait....that's not right.

Oh yes - the Disneyland Half Marathon.

The race waivers are out and printed. The race guide is downloadable. I've been training and feel about 80% ready. If I can do a nice longer loop this weekend (8miles or more) I'll feel really ready. No matter what I'm still nervous. I want that coast-to-coast medal SO BAD I can taste it. My plan is to get as close to the start as I can before 6am so that I have that buffer of time before the sweep trucks in case I need them.

It's nice that in the guide they posted the sweep points. 4 and 10 miles, and although they're requiring a 16 minute pace, the times for the sweep points seem to be around 25 minutes, which is also a nice buffer.

I just know I want to finish in under 3:27:51 if I can.

And see my cheering smiling friends.

And enjoy a trip to Disneyland.

I'll be announcing my whole schedule here soon so that you all can come hang out with me whenever and whereever!

See you guys soon!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

DISNEYLAND MEETS!

First of all - if you haven't read yesterday's post (#650) please go read it. Comment. Say hi.

Secondly - can I tell you HOW EXCITED I am about Disneyland? But before that - stay tuned for a MAJOR announcement next week. :)

Now - let's talk Disneyland. I'm organizing as many meets as I can while I'm there. And the first one, so far, is a dinner on Friday night. Yes folks - a PRINCESS DINNER. These meets are open to ANY AATMers as well as Team Voicers!

There are 10 seats (one for me) so that's 9 open slots. I need to fill them. Who's with me? (Note - dinner is on your own, AATM is not hosting these meets.) RSVP to jonathan@allaboutthemouse.com

Okay - so princesses aren't your style. And Saturday morning is more your time. Perfect. Meet us at Indiana Jones at 9:30am for "THE VOICE OF DOOM" meet! No RSVP required - just SHOW UP! We'll be right out front - and we'll ride around 9:45.Right afterwards, head over to Minnie's breakfast at the Plaza Inn with us! This time only 7 seats are available (2 are already taken - thanks Chuck and Leigh!). RSVP to jonathan@allaboutthemouse.com

Sunday - WATCH THE RACE!!! And when it's done, we have a table for 10 at 1:20pm at the BLUE BAYOU!!!! Only 5 seats remain for this meet! RSVP quick folks! jonathan@allaboutthemouse.com

And of course, Justin is hosting the Monday Morning Goofy's Kitchen meet, and you can find more info from him at his blog.

There will be MORE attraction specific meets (what do you guys want to do? Small World? Cali Screaming? Monsters Inc? Billy Hill?) announced next week - but for now - HOW EXCITED ARE WE?!?!?

VERY!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS (TWO WEEKS AWAY)!

Celebrating Six Hundred and Fifty Posts!

What will YOU celebrate?

Today marks the six hundred and fiftieth time I've updated this blog.

For 650 posts you, my friends, supporters, listeners, bloggers, sponsors, teammates, colleagues, and more have been here with me - watching me succeed, stumble, move forward, fall back, and generally live my life to the fullest.

And now it's time for the next chapter.

I've gotten a lot of e-mails lately from folks I met at the PNW mouse meet, as well as AATMers who are "inspired" by me to run their first half marathon. I was given a discount on my shoes (which I might add are AWESOME - I already did a training wog this morning - a longer one tomorrow - and even longer on Saturday is in order) because I raised money for charity. And now Bryan is getting into the charity kick (listen to AATM for details on how you can help).

That being said. I haven't felt inspirational lately. I haven't felt worthy of praise.

I've been down, depressed, overeating, underexercising, and underperforming.

That all stops.

Now.

Let's face it folks - I've done this before - and I've succeeded. And I can and will succeed again.

I am announcing right here and right now that my short-term, immediate goal, is to train for and get to Anaheim, enjoy the heck out of it, finish the DLR half marathon, and then begin a new round of weight loss and fundraising.

We're going to save lives, inspire miracles, and grant wishes together.

What am I celebrating today?

A renewed sense of purpose.

I figured out WHY I succeeded along the way. It was partially for me. But it was a lot for YOU.

Yes YOU.

Team Voice. Folks who say I inspire them. Folks who choose to give money to a worthy cause. The little girl who wants to meet Cinderelly on her Wish trip. The cast member who hugs the boy with the IV. ALL OF YOU.

I do this for me.

But I do it FOR YOU.

And now - we'll do it together.

Stick around folks - you are NOT going to want to miss what's coming next. Let's make some magic!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!